Chanel J12 White, Black and Chromatic Collection

Making a stronger comeback in Baselworld 2013, french label Chanel introduces three alluring collections: the Mademoiselle Privé, the Première, and the latest J12 range.

Further reinforcing its position as a key player in the world of prestige watchmaking, luxury brand Chanel participated in Baselworld, an exhibition known as the haven for all luxury watch and jewellery brands from around the world to showcase their latest developments and innovations exclusively. Baselworld dates back to 1917 with the opening of its first show, Schweizer Mustermesse Basel (MUBA), of which a section was devoted to watches and jewellery. Now, the watch fair has become the world’s biggest and most important event in the watch and jewellery sector, with 1,450 exhibitors from 40 countries, and 120,000 visitors from the specialist retail and wholesale trade all over the world that come to discover the current trends and view the latest creations from the watch and jewellery sectors. 

Chanel’s first participation in the Basel watch fair was precisely 10 years ago, with the launch of J12 White, which set the trend for white watches, making this pure shade an indispensable colour in watchmaking. This further consolidated the brand’s position in the world of watchmaking. Marking its 10th consecutive participation this year, Chanel unveils its latest watch collections
in a most remarkable showcase, notably
the new Première and Mademoiselle Privé models, along with new J12 Black, White and Chromatic watches. 

Another highlight for Chanel in this year’s Baselworld is the brand’s latest implementation of an even more exclusive exhibition concept, by installing a completely new 1,580-square-metre stand exclusively dedicated to haute horlogerie right in the very heart of Hall 1. Impressively extending over three levels, each at 500 square metres, the total space of the exhibition is three times larger than that of previous years. Designed and fitted out by American architect Peter Marino, the exhibition concept is truly a showstopper, as its luminous white monolith with a black aluminium base magnificently highlights the colour codes of Chanel. 

The Mademoiselle Privé Collection 
Chanel’s latest collection of jewellery watches, Mademoiselle Privé is a stunning range of watches drawn from a vision taken of the intimate world of Gabrielle Chanel, showcasing her most cherished symbols and objects that were close to her heart.

On one of the models, the decor, which was inspired by the Coromandel lacquered screens that were so dear to Gabrielle Chanel, features a gentle river scene with a Chinese boat that is engraved by hand on an 18K yellow gold dial. The motifs are reproduced in miniature in “Grand Feu” enamel using the“Geneva technique”, with the foliage in 24K gold paillons. This highlights the collection’s use of Métier d’Art techniques and craftsmanship used in fine watchmaking and high jewellery, adding yet another chapter to Chanel’s creative saga.

Première Collection

Proving once again that classics never go out of style, Chanel reintroduces the latest editions of its elegant 1987 Première watch, which was also the French couture house’s very first watch, hence its name. The classic model is carefully redesigned, in which a few delicate tweaking of the original model have taken place.

As one looks at the latest Première collection, almost everything and nothing has changed. The octagon shape of the dial is inspired by the shape of the stopper on the Nº5 perfume bottle, which was, in turn, inspired by the shape of Place Vendôme. 

The latest models in steel or yellow gold have slightly different proportions in comparison to the original. With their jewel-like bracelets and petite dials, the new versions are even more feminine and delicate, and the chain links can easily be taken out or added in to suit your preference.

The New J12 White, Black and Chromatic Collection
An all-star watch collection from Chanel, introduced in Gabrielle Chanel’s two favourite colours – black and white – as well as a chromatic hue that is a mysterious duality of colour and non-colour, the J12 collection has become widely recognised with its clean lines and beautiful fusion of masculinity and femininity.

The latest J12 White Phantom 10th Anniversary that was introduced at the exhibition is limited to only 2,000 pieces while the mysterious J12 Matte Black Superleggera Chronograph represented the latest black models. The J12 Chromatic Rétrograde Mystérieuse is a concentrate of innovations that combines complications and world firsts, including a tourbillon, digital minute display and a rétrograde minute hand.  

 

This article has previously appeared in the June 2013 issue of Malaysia Tatler: Jewels & Time.